Graphic designers conceptualize and produce graphic art and visual materials to effectively communicate information. Illustrators conceptualize and create illustrations to represent information through images.

Graphic designers perform some or all of the following duties:

Consult with clients to establish the overall look, graphic elements and content of communications materials in order to meet their needs;

Determine medium best suited to produce desired visual effect and the most appropriate vehicle for communication;

Develop the graphic elements that meet the clients' objectives;

Prepare sketches, layouts and graphic elements of the subjects to be rendered using traditional tools, multimedia software and image processing, layout and design software;

Estimate cost of materials and time to complete graphic design;

Use existing photo and illustration banks and typography guides or hire an illustrator or photographer to produce images that meet clients' communications needs;

Establish guidelines for illustrators or photographers;

Co-ordinate all aspects of production for print, audio-visual or electronic materials, such as web sites, CD-ROMs, interactive terminals, etc.;

Co-ordinate sub-contracting;

Work in a multidisciplinary environment;

Supervise other graphic designers or graphic arts technicians.

Illustrators perform some or all of the following duties:

Consult with clients to determine the nature and content of illustrations in order to meet their communications needs;

Develop and produce realistic or representational sketches and final illustrations, by hand or using computerassisted design (CAD) software, for printed materials such as books, magazines, packaging, greeting cards, stationery, etc.;

Assist in developing storyboards for electronic productions such as multimedia, interactive and digital products, television advertising and productions, etc.;

Produce 2-D and 3-D animated drawings or computer illustrations;

May adapt existing illustrations.

Illustrators may specialize in a particular field such as illustrations for children, advertising, editorials, humour, or medical, scientific or technical illustration, or multimedia design.

Advertising Designer
Animator
Art Director
Commercial Artist
Graphic Artists
Graphic Designer
Illustrator
Layout Designer
Multimedia Designer
Page Designer